Trucks at the border crossing between Lithuania and Belarus near Salcininkai, in southeastern Lithuania, October 28, 2025. Getty Images/AFP/Petras Malukas
After the temporary closure of the border with Belarus, several hundred Lithuanian trucks cannot return to Lithuania. Carriers are urging the government to urgently find a solution and resume movement.
Since October 30, the Lithuanian border with Belarus has been closed for a month, leaving hundreds of trucks from Lithuanian companies waiting at home.
According to the Linava transport association, some drivers are trying to bypass the border via Latvia or Poland, but long queues have formed at border checkpoints. As a result, some trucks cannot depart and end up on longer detour routes.
Effects on Freight Movements and Drivers’ Wait Times
Linava representatives emphasize that the situation is critical: drivers are waiting for long periods without clear information and face problems securing food and rest. Additionally, seeking detours incurs extra costs.
The association calls on the government to urgently hold consultations with business and to find a mechanism that would allow transport to return to Lithuania and ensure the continued movement of trucks.
Reasons for the Border Closure and Next Steps
The decision to temporarily close the border was made due to incidents of airborne balloons from Belarus carrying contraband cigarettes, which repeatedly led to the temporary closure of Lithuanian airports.
The situation remains tense: carriers expect swift government action to return the transport home and restore stable movement of trucks across the Belarus border.